Live Inca Trail Permit Availability 2026

If you want to hike the Inca Trail in 2026, it’s important to plan ahead. Permits are limited and sell out fast. Check our live calendar below for the latest permit availability by date.

The Peruvian government issues Inca Trail permits, with a daily limit of 500 people for the Classic Inca Trail 4-day and 250 for the Short Inca Trail 2 days. This number includes hikers, guides, porters and cooks. When a date sells out, no more permits are released, so booking early is a must.

We update our calendar often to show the latest permit status for both the Classic 4 Day and Short 2 Day Inca Trail hikes. You can quickly see which dates are available before planning your trip to Peru.

IMPORTANT: May, June, July, and August are the busiest months and often sell out well in advance. We recommend booking 4 to 6 months early, especially if you plan to visit during the dry season.

Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Hike – Permit Availability 2026

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous trek and one of the top hikes in South America. The trail follows ancient Inca paths through mountains, cloud forests, and ruins, ending with a sunrise at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Because it’s so popular, permits for the 4 Day Inca Trail are the first to sell out each year. Availability is especially limited during these times:

The calendar below shows live permit availability for the 4 Day Inca Trail, so you can easily see which dates are open or sold out.

If your preferred date is sold out, try looking at other dates or consider the Short Inca Trail 2 Days as a great alternative.

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike – Permit Availability 2026

The Short Inca Trail 2 Day hike is a great choice if you have limited time but still want to experience the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. This route covers the last part of the original trail, including Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, before you enter Machu Picchu.

Permits for the 2 Day Inca Trail usually sell out more slowly than the 4 Day route, but spots are still limited and can go fast during peak season.

This hike is ideal for:

• Travelers short on time
• Families or first-time hikers
• Those combining Machu Picchu with other Peru destinations

Check the live availability calendar below for the Short Inca Trail 2 Days. We update it often to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Book your Inca Trail permits early to make sure you get your preferred dates. Contact us today to reserve your spot and start planning your trip to Machu Picchu.

Key details about the Inca Trail Permits and Availability

To hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in any version, the 4 day, 5 day, 7 day or the short 2 day Inca Trail, you need an official permit.

✔️Availability of permits: Who sells the permits?: The Peruvian government through its local institution, the Ministry of Culture, releases the permits every year in October for the following season. They sell out quickly, especially for the months from April to September. Booking early with Qoricancha Expeditions ensures you will have a spot, as permits can't be refunded, transferred to someone else, or purchased through any other source.

✔️How many permits are available?: Only 500 permits are put on sale for each day, that includes for the version of the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, slow version 5 days or the longer one Salkantay & Inca Trail 7 days,

✔️Who needs permits?: To hike the Inca Trail need permits the hikers (tourists), tour guides, cooks, porters. so everyone needs permits, that is why they sell out quickly, especially for the high season which is from May to September.

✔️Permits for Short Inca Trail: Only 250 permits are released per day, typically this one day hike is booked for travellers with less time or looking for a less challenging hike compared to the Classic Inca Trail, but still want the same incredible experience of reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, this is the perfect choice for you.

✔️Book your permits in advance:  If you are hoping to hike the Inca Trail and is in your budget dream trip, book in advance, we highly recommend you to book at least 4 to 5 months in advance, especially for the peak seasons which are May to September.

✔️How do I get a nice campsite on the trail?  Early booking is crucial so that your tour operator has the chance to get the first campsites that are considered the best places to stay along the trail.

Best Inca Trail itineraries are as follow:

Option 01.

✅ Cusco - Km 82 - Huayllabamba Hullabamba - Dead Women's Pass - Pacaymayu.

✅ Pacaymayu - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñayhuayna.

✅ Wiñayhuayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu guided tour - Return to Cusco.

Option 02.

✅ Cusco - Km 82 - Ayapata - Pacaymayu - Chaquicocha.

✅ Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñayhuayna.

✅ Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu guided tours - Return to Cusco.

These 2 options are the best Itineraries to hike the Classic Inca Trail, it includes to overnight the 3rd day night in Wiñayhuayna.

Is the Inca Trail open all year round?

Due to the Inca Trail regulation, Its is open from March 1st to January 31st, February is closed for maintenance and rainy season, in that month the Ministry of Culture take time to fix any issue that may happen on the path.

Inca Trail Availability: Book Your Trek or Tour to Machu Picchu,

4 Day Inca Trail : The Iconic 4 day trek through ancient Inca paths, lush forests, and mountain passes, culminating in a sunrise view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

2 day Inca Trail:  The 2 day trek that covers the highlights of the Inca Trail, including ancient ruins and a breathtaking entrance to Machu Picchu. Perfect for those with limited time and less challenge hike.

Customized Trekking Packages:

Tailor your Inca Trail trek to suit your pace, interests, and needs with our personalized trekking options.

Book Your Inca Trail Trek Early: Limited Availability

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular treks, and permits for the Inca Trail are limited. As an authorized Local Tour Operator, Qoricancha Expeditions can secure your permits, but we recommend booking early, especially during peak seasons (June to August). Availability often sells out months in advance, so planning ahead is essential to guarantee your spot.

How to Book Your Trek:

Booking with Qoricancha Expeditions is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

✅ Choose Your Trek: Pick between the Classic Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, or a customized trek.

✅ Check Availability: Use our availability calendar to view open dates.

✅ Contact Us: Reach out to confirm availability or ask any questions.

✅ Complete the Booking Form: Provide your details, including travel dates and group size.

✅ Make a Payment: Secure your booking with a deposit of $200 per person.

✅ Receive Confirmation: Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with all your tour details.

Why Choose Qoricancha Expeditions?

Authorized Operator: We are an official Local Tour Operator, guaranteeing a safe and authentic experience.

Expert Guides: Our passionate guides share in-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Inca Trail.

Personalized Service: Tailored tour options to meet your needs, whether you choose the Classic or Short Inca Trail.

Limited Availability: With limited permits available, we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Don’t Miss Out on Your Inca Trail Adventure

Don’t wait to make your dream trek a reality! The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Contact Qoricancha Expeditions today to check availability and secure your spot on this unforgettable journey.